Top 10 Concepts of 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show

Luxury coupe to crossover SUV and sports car, we saw prototype designs of all kinds this year

With the first International Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany held in 1897 this is an event filled with more
automotive history than most museums. For 2013, there was a plethora of vehicles to ogle over. When it
comes to concept cars there are those that leave us wondering, 'what were they thinking,' and then there are
the creations that inspire what we hope to see one day on the road. Below is a selection of 10 concept cars
that drew a crowd at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. Let us know in the comments section below which
concept you think should be made into a production-ready model.

About the car: This S-Class features body lines far more curvy than the current production model. It is
powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine that is capable of producing 449hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The interior
strays away from the typical rich-colored tones commonly found in a Benz and features a pure white wave-
like look in a technology filled cabin.

About the car: On the opposite end of the newly released F-Type, the C-X17 Concept is larger in size and
features an aggressive front end with LED accent lights, separating it from the rest of the crossover
crowd. Surrounded by an aluminum unibody, it is expected to be powered by (for US markets) either a
2.0L I-4 240hp turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed automatic or a supercharged 3.0L V6 engine
with either 340hp-380hp.

About the car: Taking its name from the Eskimo word meaning 'polar bear,' this Audi concept is purely
that, a concept, created primarily to gauge reaction for future sports cars with greater ground clearance.
Although the words 'sports car' usually signify something lightweight, the Nanuk is far from it, weighing
in at 4200 lb thanks in part to its twin-turbo diesel V10 capable of producing 550hp and 738 lb-ft, sent to
the wheels via a seven-speed duel-clutch gearbox. Nanuk Quattro is capable of going from 0-62mph
3.8sec.

About the car: Could this be one of the best-looking minivans you've ever seen? The Golf Sportsvan
probably won't make its way to the US where soccer moms alike would appreciate the sleek design
cues. Replacing the outgoing Golf Plus, this Europe-ready model will also have many features including
an Automatic Post-Collision system, City Emergency Braking and more. The European-spec model will be
offered with six different engines including two turbodiesel options. The turbocharged direct-injected
gas engines range in power from 84hp to 148hp while the TDI engines will be rated at 108hp and 148hp.

About the car: Would you buy a car if you knew a three-time Formula 1 world champion helped oversee
it from start to finish? Sebastian Vettle that is, currently leading the points for the next F1 championship title and is Infiniti's director of performance.The Q30 Concept, features aggressive design cues and impressive features such as
the carbon fiber grille and other lightweight materials. Violet highlights can be seen on various parts of
the exterior as well as the interiors instruments and ambient lighting. Infiniti is also hoping to draw in
younger buyers in China and Europe, where the brand isn't as well-known, while also strengthening its
stance in the US.

About the car: The archetypal Sport Quattro was a rally-bred car, which makes this newest attempt at a
successor a significant departure from the original. The Audi Sport Quattro Concept features a 4.0L twin-
turbo V8 matching the RS 7's output of 560hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Between the engine and the
eight-speed automatic is an electric motor bringing the total output to 700hp. 31-miles of electric range
is possible thanks to a 14.1 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. Going to a claimed 0-62 in 3.7sec
makes this concept one fast plug-in.

About the car: While the Bavarian automaker has been venturing into the greener side of the market,
the i3 and i8 aren't the only models to appear at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Concept X5 eDrive
plug-in hybrid SUV is the hybrid version of the 2014 BMW X5 and will be powered by a turbocharged
four-cylinder engine and electric motor developed in-house. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack
can be charged via wall-mounted charger, public charging stations or a standard electrical outlet.
Featuring the brand's xDrive all-wheel drive system, this hybrid is estimated to make the 0-60mph sprint
in 7sec.

About the car: When an icon is created people typically wonder how the next variant will ever come
close to that original beauty. Over 50 years ago, the Volvo P1800 was created and since inception we
have been waiting for something to again, take our breath away. The Volvo Concept Coupe has done
that. According to Automobile magazine it is, "the prettiest Volvo ever." The fender badges hint at a
plug-in hybrid powerplant. It is supposedly powered by a 2.0L high-output Drive-E supercharged/turbocharged four, assisted by a rear-axle-mounted electric motor energized by tunnel and rear-floor mounted batteries. Four transmissions will be offered including two eight-speed Aisin Warner automatics, a six-speed Getrag manual and a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic.

About the car: One of the more funky concepts we have shown you here, the Kia Niro features butterfly
doors and interesting color accents. Created to "take on the urban environment with style and tenacity,"
according to Kia, it is constructed with crossover-like proportions and fun design accents such as neon
green color splashes placed on the exterior and interior. Although this looks road ready, the Niro
concept was designed to gauge potential customer response.

About the car: Here's our wildcard racecar concept to round out the top 10. The Mercedes-Benz CLA45
AMG Racing Series concept is purely for closed circuits. Constructed from carbon fiber, the front and
rear feature a new spoiler, along with big air intakes for brake and engine cooling, flared wheel arches
and a large carbon fiber rear wing. Depending on race series regulations, the concept is available with
front or all-wheel drive. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged I-4, which is variable, shifting is completed via
steering wheel-mounted paddles.

HKS Premium Day is one of those events in the world that you absolutely must add to your Calendar. There is no other time or place in the world where you will find the very best built cars in Japan in one place at one time!

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Few recent releases have had such an impact on the tuner industry as the Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ. One could argue this fun RWD platform saved the tuning scene - illustrated at Tokyo Auto Salon the past few years.